Helicopter crashes while fighting fires in Chilcotin area

A helicopter carrying a bucket battles the Gustafsen wildfire near 100 Mile House, B.C., on Saturday July 8, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A pilot suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a helicopter crashed in the Chilcotin area on Saturday, according to the minister responsible for emergency management and Kamloops- South Thompson MLA, Todd Stone.

Stone tweeted the news, confirming the aircraft was part of firefighting efforts in the region and was from helicopter company JB Air Inc.

The pilot remained in stable condition Sunday.

Several fires are burning in that area, including the Hanceville fires, which now cover an estimated 450 square kilometres and are burning out of control.